Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Potter County, Pennsylvania
Potter County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $809 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 34% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $809
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Potter County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $59,020, Potter County ranks 6th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the lowest typical household income.
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At 80%, Potter County ranks 7th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the highest homeownership rate.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Potter County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $770 | $14.81 | $30,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,293 | $24.87 | $51,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,376 | $26.46 | $55,040 |
HUD area: Potter County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 18 ZIP codes in Potter County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16720 to $1,250 in 16927. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 16720 | Cameron County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16720 | McKean County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 16720 | Potter County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 16746 | Potter County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 16748 | McKean County, PA | $760 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,420 |
| 16748 | Potter County, PA | $760 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,420 |
| 16915 | Potter County, PA | $800 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,440 |
| 16922 | Potter County, PA | $840 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 16922 | Tioga County, PA | $840 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 16923 | Potter County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 16927 | Potter County, PA | $950 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,590 | $1,700 |
| 16937 | Potter County, PA | $860 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,540 |
| 16941 | Potter County, PA | $790 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,470 |
| 16943 | Potter County, PA | $880 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,540 | $1,620 |
| 16943 | Tioga County, PA | $880 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,540 | $1,620 |
| 16948 | Potter County, PA | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 17729 | Clinton County, PA | $790 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,600 |
| 17729 | Potter County, PA | $790 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,600 |
- 16720 · Cameron County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16720 · McKean County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16720 · Potter County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16746 · Potter County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16748 · McKean County, PA $1,010$1,290
- 16748 · Potter County, PA $1,010$1,290
- 16915 · Potter County, PA $1,060$1,350
- 16922 · Potter County, PA $1,100$1,400
- 16922 · Tioga County, PA $1,100$1,400
- 16923 · Potter County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16927 · Potter County, PA $1,250$1,590
- 16937 · Potter County, PA $1,130$1,440
- 16941 · Potter County, PA $1,030$1,310
- 16943 · Potter County, PA $1,210$1,540
- 16943 · Tioga County, PA $1,210$1,540
- 16948 · Potter County, PA $1,010$1,300
- 17729 · Clinton County, PA $1,030$1,340
- 17729 · Potter County, PA $1,030$1,340
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Potter County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,421 households rent in Potter County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Potter 41%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Potter County
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Potter County: HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- HUD-assisted
- 3
91 homes in all; 91 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Honeoye Haven HUD-assisted 215 N Union St, Shinglehouse 16748 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 274-7031
- Freeman House HUD-assisted 79 Maple View Ln, Coudersport 16915 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 274-7695
- Redwood Village HUD-assisted 9 Penn Ave, Galeton 16922 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 274-7031
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Potter County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Potter County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,100 | $30,200 | $48,300 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,550 | $74,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,900 | $91,050 |
Area median income: $80,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Potter County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $693 – $847
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,164 – $1,422
- 4 bedrooms $1,238 – $1,514
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- County of Potter Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 298 vouchers (814) 274-7031 County of Potter Housing Authority: pcha1@zitomedia.net
Housing agencies in Pennsylvania Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- 68 P.S. §250.511a(a)-(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- 68 P.S. §250.512(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 15 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- Only a court order can remove you68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.; 68 P.S. §399.1 et seq.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Potter County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Potter County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Potter County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Run by Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Pennsylvania yearly rebate for owners and renters 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older, based on income
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Potter County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Pennsylvania, the average home bill was $145 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Potter County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $770; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,293; 4 bedrooms: $1,376. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Potter County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Potter County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Potter County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Potter County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16720 to $1,250 in 16927. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Potter County?
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Potter County: HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Potter County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Potter County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).